📍New Delhi | 11 Nov, 2024, 5:28 PM
LCA Tejas MK1: India’s Indigenous Lightfighter AirCraft LCA Tejas has decided a big decision by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, a company making it on behalf of the US company GE. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has created a special emergency plan in view of further delay in supplying GE F-404 engine in the production of its Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft. The first delivery of this engine was starting from April 2024, but now HAL has to apply an emergency plan due to further delay in its supply, under which the Category B F-404 engine will be used for the initial production model of Tejas Mk1A.
Tejas Mk1A is extremely important for the Indian Air Force (IAF), including advanced avionics and radar systems, which further enhance its float potential. However, the delay in the supply of these engines has increased concern about its operational radiance within IAF.
However, HAL has selected the Category B engine to maintain production, which are considerable for pre-delivery flight test and quality check. It will keep the aircraft flying qualified during engine tests, unless the GE F-404 engine is found.
"There is no shortage in our objective production or redness," said HAL’s officer on the condition of noticing the name. Using the Category B engine allows us to test the required flight and we can meet our production goals. As GE Engines will be available, we will fully engage them in aircraft. ""
Delay of engine supply is being combined with hitches happening in the supply chain. However, this strategic decision of HAL is to maintain its production schedule and ensure that Tejas can be assigned to Mk1A IAF on time.
Once the GE F-404 engine is available, HAL will do 2-3 pre-discovery light test coupled with IAF, to ensure that the aircraft meets all performance standards.
This step of the HAL is being seen as a practical solution for solving the current obstacles occurring in the rollout of Tejas Mk1A, so that this aircraft can be timely delivery. The project is an important part of India’s air force efforts to modernize with indigenous defence technologies.
